Former Higher Education Executive Finds Values Alignment in New CU Role
"At the C-suite level, we are compensated not for our time, but for our judgment," SRP FCU's Shana Reid says.
Name: Shana Reid
Credit union: SRP Federal Credit Union ($1.7 billion, North Augusta, S.C.)
Title: Chief Development Officer
Number of years at current credit union: Five months
Educational background: Executive MBA from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.; Bachelor’s in Economics from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va.
CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?
Reid: The Chief Development Officer is a new addition to our executive team responsible for developing the organizational strategy, leadership, innovation and governance for key areas within the credit union. I ensure our internal culture and external brand are aligned with our mission, vision and strategic initiatives by overseeing Human Resources, Employee Learning and Development, Marketing and Community Development.
CU Times: What drew you to the credit union industry?
Reid: I come from higher education, where we could directly impact the lives of our students and their communities. The credit union industry is equally committed to making a difference in the lives of our members and our communities, so it was a natural transition with aligned values.
CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?
Reid: I have nearly three decades of experience leading and developing high-performing businesses and teams. Decision-making is one of the most important skills I have cultivated. Additionally, as someone new to the credit union space, I bring a unique perspective that adds value to the team.
CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?
Reid: I have been fortunate in my professional career to collaborate with remarkable mentors and leaders who have provided guidance, encouraged innovative ideas and challenged me to continuously improve. I would also credit those who have walked along beside me as colleagues and friends.
CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?
Reid: I have had the honor to work in an executive-level role since 2007. You can read every book there is on leadership, but until you are in the trenches, making decisions under pressure, you will not gain the experience to be an effective leader. A mentor once told me, “At the C-Suite level, we are compensated not for our time, but for our judgment.”
CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?
Reid: Learning the credit union industry is my biggest challenge and opportunity. I have purposefully jumped into the weeds so that I may understand our operations from the ground up.
CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?
Reid: I am an intrinsically motivated leader who values analyzing data and metrics to implement process improvements, optimize best practices and identify opportunities for efficiencies. Externally, however, I understand that leadership success requires collaboration and communication across all lines of business, celebrating success and achievements along the way.
CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?
Reid: As I acclimate to the industry, I look forward to building strong relationships within and across the credit union space.
CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community?
Reid: SRP Federal Credit Union has an amazing reputation within our community, and we are well known for making an impact within our field of membership. One responsibility I have within my role is to nurture and embrace a culture evolution across our institution that will enhance the lives of both our team members and community members, making SRP an employer of choice for years to come.
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?
Reid: On more than one occasion, I was advised to consider a more favorable work-life balance. I admittedly can be a bit stubborn when it comes to achieving goals – so I would tell my younger self to listen up and slow down!
Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com. To qualify, the individual must be a part of a credit union’s leadership team or C-suite, and have a compelling story to share about their rise to their current leadership role.